Butter dispenser



Oct. 15, 1957 L. R. PUERNER BUTTER DISPENSER Filed June 6, 1955 R R m M Wm m F O m m f/./ Y B Q I x wi hHu i i x iv 2 9 5 A TTOIFNEYS i United States Patent Cffice 2,809,428 Patented Oct. 15, 1957 BUTTER DISPENSER Larry R. Puerner, Sturgis, Mich.

Application June 6, 1955, Serial No. 513,211

9 Claims. (CI. 31-13) The present invention relates to dairy products, more particularly, to a device for maintaining butter at a predetermined temperature and cutting and dispensing the butter in pats.

At eating establishments, such as restaurants and the like, butter is commonly served in individual pats. The restaurants must either cut the butter in pats themselves or obtain the butter from a supplier in that form.

The common practice has been to obtain butter from a supplier in pat form since to date it has not been feasible for a restaurant to maintain apparatus for cutting butter in pats. While many such devices have been proposed for restaurant use, they have either been too cumbersome, expensive, or complicated for them to achieve any degree of acceptability.

A butter dispensing device should not only cut and dispense butter in pats but should also maintain the butter at a predetermined temperature. Space should also be provided for storing quantities of butter prior to use. In addition, the operating mechanism of the device should be simple to operate and should permit ready disassembly for cleaning or servicing.

The basic principle utilized in cutting and dispensing devices of this nature is the movement of cutting means, such as a wire or the like, transversely to a stick of butter. The mechanism employed to accomplish this has ranged up to effective but extremely complicated devices which would not be readily adapted to widespread use in restaurants. The butter cutting and dispensing mechanism should be extremely simple and etfective and should be capable of quick disassembly. In addition, it is preferable that the cutting and dispensing mechanism comprise as few parts as possible in order to permit ready reassembly of the device by personnel who are not mechanically trained.

The present invention provides a butter cutting and dispensing device which incorporates all the desiredadvantages and eliminates the disadvantages as discussed above. The butter dispensing device of this invention essentially comprises a refrigerated chamber having a vertical magazine therein at the lower end of which is mounted a cutting and dispensing mechanism. This mechanism comprises a hanger which is positioned upon the lower end of the magazine and locked in place by a pivoted member. A trigger is slidably mounted in the hanger. Means are provided in the hanger to limit the sliding movement of the trigger. However, this limiting structure may be readily disengaged from the trigger to permit removal of the trigger from the hanger.'

The trigger comprises structure to cut a pat from a stick of butter during each sliding movement in the same direction of the trigger. Means are also provided to subsequently convey each pat of butter through a passage located in the trigger. The passage means is so formed so as to urge each pat of butter downwardly through the vertical passage to be dispensed from an opening in the under surface of the trigger.

The embodiment of the invention disclosed illustrates the use of two magazines, each equipped with a dispensing device. Each dispensing device is manually operable. However, springs may be attached thereto in order to urge the dispensing device in a predetermined direction.

It is therefore the principal object of this invention to provide an improved device for maintaining butter at a proper temperature and dispensing butter in pats.

It is another object of this invention is to provide a refrigerated cabinet for storing and dispensing butter.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved dispensing mechanism for delivering butter in pats suitable for individual servings.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a device for dispensing dairy products in individual servings.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a mechanism for cutting and dispensing butter in pats, which mechanism may be readily removed and disassembled.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent upon reference to the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is an overall perspective view of a butter dispensing device with the locations of the magazines and dispensing mechanisms being indicated;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along the lines 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along the lines 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along the lines 44 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 5 is an end elevational view of the hanger.

Returning now to the drawings, more particularly to Fig. 1, wherein like reference symbols indicate the same parts throughout the various views, 10 indicates generally the butter dispensing device of this invention. The device comprises a cabinet 11 which is positioned upon a base 12. In the front wall of the cabinet indicated at 13 there is an opening 14 adjacent the base portion 12. Also, the side walls of the cabinet indicated at 15 and 16 have openings 17 and 18 therein to accommodate the dispensing mechanisms in a manner to be presently described.

The upper portion of the cabinet 11 houses a refrigerated compartment 19, which is suitably insulated as indicated at 20. The top of the cabinet is open and is covered by a removable closure member 21 to permit access to the refrigerated compartment 19. The closure member 21 is insulated and fits tightly into the opening of the refrigerating compartment to seal the compartment from the atmosphere.

The lower portion of the cabinet 11 located beneath the refrigerated compartment 19 is indicated at 22 and is partitioned by a wall 23 to form a forward section 24 and a rear section 25. The rear section 25 houses a conventional refrigerating mechanism indicated at 26. The refrigerating mechanism 26 circulates a suitable refrigerant through the evaporating coils 27 surrounding the refrigerating compartment 19. v

While this embodiment of the inventionprovides that the upper portion of the cabinet is maintained at a predetermined temperature through refrigeration, ice mayalso be used to maintain the refrigerated compartment cool. In this modification a separate compartment would be located in the refrigerated compartment to receive a quantity of ice.

Located in the 'refrigerated compartment 19 in the forward portion thereof is a pair of vertically extending magazines indicated at 28 and 29. Each of the magazines is substantially square in cross-section and has an open upper end 30 which is closed by the closure memher 21 when the closure member is in position. Indicated at 31 is the lower end of the magazine which is also open and projects. beneath ,the .refiigerated compartment 19 into the forward section of the lower portion of the cabinet.

Each magazine vis so dimensioned to receive a-quarten pound stick -of .bntte'r; I'Butter is conventionally sold .in quarter-pound :sticks which are substantially square cross section. Since this shape and sizestick is in widespread use, the magazine as illustrated in this invention may 'be employed .in various sections of the country to accommodate standardized sticks of butter.

Reference to Fig. l'will indicate that the lower ends 31 of the magazines are located in the opening '14 in the front row of the cabinet. The purpose-of this relationship will become apparent -upon further description of this invention. 7

The 'lower end of each magazine issurrounded by a rim 32 which is spaced a short distance from the extreme end of the magazines The rim supports a hanger 33 whichcomprises a body 34. The body 34 has a slot 35 which opens to one end thereof. The slot is of a width to closely receive the magazine. There are longitudinally extending grooves 36 adjacent the slot 35 in the lower surface of the hanger body. These grooves slide upon the rim 32 when the hanger body is positioned upon the magazine. In addition, there is a'transverse groove 37 at the closed end of the slot 35 to accommodate .a portion ofthe rim 32 when the hanger has been ultimately positioned upon the magazine.

A locking member 38 is pivoted upon the hanger body at 39 and functions to close oif the open end of theslot 35 to removably lock the hanger in position upon the magazine. A handle 40 is provided upon the locking member 38 to facilitate the pivoting thereof.

In the under surface of the hanger body adjacent the end oppositethe slotted end thereof is a transverse recess 41. A block 42 is positioned within the recess. A plurality of projections 43 depend from the under surface of the block 42. An operating rod 44 extends upwardly from the block 42 through a passage 45 to project above the upper surface of the hanger body.

' A pair of longitudinally extending brackets 46 and 47 depend from each side of the hanger body. A .track 48 is upon the lower end of each bracket on the inner surface thereof.

A trigger 49 is slidably positioned upon the tracks 48. The trigger is in the form of arectangular member having a top surface '50 and a bottom surface 51. .An operating handle 52 is provided at one end of the trigger.

Located in the top surface 50 of the trigger is-a recess 7 53 which is of a size to accommodate the end ofa stick of butter. A cutting wire 54 is mounted at one end of the recess '53.

.A vertical passage 55 extends upwardly from the lower surface 51 of the trigger but stops short of the uppersurface 50. The vertical passage 55 is ofliset from the handle end of the trigger by a distance substantially equal to the width of a stick of butter. A throat 56 communicates the recess 53 'and the vertical passage 55. The throat has an upper surface 57 'which is inclineddownwardly from the recess towardthe verticalpassage.

A plurality of longitudinally extending-recesses 58, or slots, are cut in the upper surface 50 of the trigger. The recesses 58 are spaced toreceive the projections :53 located on the movable block 42. The engagement of these projections with the recesses limits the sliding movement of the trigger within the hanger.

With the above described structure of the butter dispensing device and dispensing mechanism in mind, the

7 operation of thisinvention will be described.

As will be apparent uponexamination of Fig. 2, .the refrigerating compartment 19 is employed for the storing of butter as indicated *at'59. Each of the-magazines 28 and'29 is loaded with at least one quarter-pound stick 'of butter. With the'iriggerin its rear-most position, as illustil trated inFig. 3, the lower .end of the stick of butter, .as indicated at 60, will be received within the recess 53 in the trigger. Movement of the trigger toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 3, will result in cutting wire 54 being drawn through the stick of butter to cut a pat of butter therefrom. As the pat of butter is being cut from the stick, the inclined wall 57 of'the throat will separate the pat from'the stick and urge the pat downwardly through the vertical passage 55. A suitable dish or receptable which is disposed beneath the trigger mechanism is then used to receive the pats of butter.

After the-pat of butter has been severed, the lower end I of the butter stick will rest upon the upper surface of the ,7 lower end of said magazine and extending'transversely trigger in a position roughly in alignment with the vertical passage 55. Return movement of the trigger 50 toward the left will result in the end of the stick of butter being fed into the trigger recess 53 by gravity when the trigger has been returned to its original position.- Consequently, continued reciprocating movements of the trigger will result in simultaneous cutting and dispensing pats *ofbutter from the magazine. The opening 14 in the cabinet permits the positioning of suitable dishes or receptacles beneath each of the trigger mechanisms to receive the pats.

As the magazines are refrigerated at all times, it can be seen that the butter will be maintained ata proper predetermined temperature. To maintain the butter in this condition will enable the butter to be readily cut at all times by movement of the trigger.

'While the intended use of this apparatus is for-the. cutting and dispensing of butter, it-is readily apparent that other dairy products, such as various cheeses, may bedispensed with thisapparatus by'rnaking suitable modifications in the various dimensions of-the trigger mechanism andthemagaziue. Products other than dairy products may also be cut and dispensed by properly adapting the mechanismdisclosed herein and employing the principles of this invention.

Thus it can be seen that the present invention discloses a butter-dispensing apparatus wherein the butter is always maintained at apropcr temperature and may be readily dispensed inputs by manually reciprocating the trigger mechanism. -If desired, various forms of power otherthan manual maybe employed to manipulate the trigger mechanism. In large commercial'establishments the use of power may be desirable.

Not only does this invention simultaneously cut and dispense butter in pats, but the structure'of'the dispensing mehcanism is extremely simple. The dispensing mechanism-maybereadily'disassembled to permit cleaning and,

repairs. The disclosed structure of the dispensing mechanism permits the dispensing mechanism to be made out of plastic as well as metallic materials. This would result'in considerable savings in cost ofmaterial and decrease the weight of theentire dispensing device.

It will be understood that this invention is susceptible to modification iii-order to adapt it to different usages and conditions and, accordingly, 'it is desired to comprehend such modificationswithin thisinvention as may falltwithin the scope of the appended claims.

What is cla'imedis:

1. A butter dispensing device comprising a magazine for vertically retaining a stick of butter, a hanger detachably mounted on the lower'end of said magazine and completely supported-therefrom, said hanger having horizontally extending track'means depending therefrom, and reciprocable means mounted on said track means for cutting and dispensing'a pat of butter.

'2. Abutter dispensing device comprising a magazine for verticallygretaining a stick of butter, the lower end of said magazine being-open, a hanger mounted on the" thereof, brackets: depending from each'side ofsaid hanger,

horizontally extending spaced inwardly directly track means onthe lower end of each bracket, and means slidably mounted on said track means for cutting and dispensing a pat of butter.

3. A butter dispensing device as claimed in claim 2 with means on said hanger for limiting the sliding movement of said cutting and dispensing means.

4. A butter dispensing device as claimed in claim 3 with said limiting means being disengageable from said cutting and dispensing means to enable said cutting and dispensing means to be removed from said hanger.

5. A butter dispensing device comprising a magazine for vertically retaining a stick of butter, the lower end of said magazine being open and having an external rim extending therearound, a hanger having a body, said body having a slot opening on one end thereof and closely receiving said magazine, there being longitudinally extending grooves in said body to receive said ridge for supporting said hanger body from the lower end of said magazine, pivotally mounted means to close said slot for locking said hanger upon said magazine, and means slidably mounted in said hanger for cutting and dispensing butter in pats.

6. A butter dispensing device comprising a magazine for vertically retaining a stick of butter, the lower end of said magazine being open, a hanger removably mounted on the lower end of said magazine independently of said device, a trigger slidably mounted on said hanger for cutting and dispensing a pat of butter during the sliding movement thereof, and means on said hanger to limit the length of the sliding movement of said trigger.

7. A butter dispensing device comprising a magazine for vertically retaining a stick of butter, the lower end of said magazine being open, a hanger mounted on the lower end of said magazine, a manually operable trigger slidably mounted on said hanger for movement trans versely of said magazine, said trigger having a recess in the upper surface thereof to receive the end of a stick of butter, means at one end of said recess for cutting a pat of butter from the end of the stick received in said recess, there being a vertical passage in said trigger opening on the lower surface thereof, said passage being olfset from said recess, there being a throat communicating said passage with the end of the recess carrying said cutting means, said throat having a continuous upper surface which is inclined downwardly to urge the pat of butter downwardly through said passage during the sliding movement of said trigger.

8. A butter dispensing device comprising a magazine for vertically retaining a stick of butter, the lower end of said magazine being open, a hanger detachably mounted on said lower end completely supported therefrom and extending transversely of said magazine, brackets depending from each side of said hanger, spaced horizontally extending and inwardly directed track means on the lower end portion of each bracket, a manually operable trigger slidably mounted on said track means for transverse movement relative to said magazine, said trigger having a recess in the upper face thereof to receive the end of the stick of butter, means at one end of said recess for cutting a pat of butter from the end of the stick in said recess, there being a vertical passage in said trigger opening on the lower surface thereof, said passage being offset from said recess and communicating therewith, there being a throat communicating said passage with the end of said recess carrying said cutting means, said throat having a continuous upper surface and inclined downwardly to continuously urge the pat of butter downwardly through said throat during the sliding movement of said trigger until said pat drops through said passage, and means on said hanger for limiting the sliding movement of said trigger.

9. In a butter dispensing device, a refrigerator compartment, a space in said refrigerator compartment for storing butter, a vertical magazine for retaining a stick of butter, the lower end of said magazine extending below said refrigerator compartment, a hanger detachably mounted on the lower end of said magazine and supported therefrom, said hanger having horizontally extending track means depending therefrom, and reciprocal means mounted on said track means for cutting and dispensing a pat of butter.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,197,200 Giles Sept. 5, 1916 1,334,304 Hodgdon et a1 Mar. 23, 1920 2,174,772 Berg Oct. 3, 1939 2,471,100 Dodge May 24, 1949 

